Lockable closure



Jan. 26, 1932. J. E. MALLETT LOCKABLE CLOSURE Filed Aug. 26, 1929 A "fwww f 9 JUL/U6 Patented Jan. 26, 1932 UNITED STATES JULIUS E. MALLETT, OF ST. CLAIR, MISSOURI LOCKABLE CLOSURE Application filed August 26, 1929. Serial No. 388,484.

This invention relates to lockable closures, and more particularly to that class of lockable closures adapted to be attached to the neck of a vessel having an inwardly extending flange.

The primary object of this invention'isto provide a lockable closure that can be quick- 1y attached without the use of tools and which cannot be removed when locked.

The method of construction, its uses and advantages will be disclosed in the specification, claim and drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a plan view looking down upon my device when attached to the neck of a 15 gasoline tank.

Fig. 2 is a vertical cross section showing my invention when locked and by the dotted lines in an open position.

Fig. 3 is a plan view looking at my device from the opposite direction to Fig. 1.

My invention as shown and illustrated, is my preferred method of construction and is especially adapted to be used in connection with the gasoline tank of an automobile.

Applicant is aware that a number of other lockable closures have been invented and are on the market, but while the lid or top of the closure is lockable, there is nothing to prevent removal and purloining of the entire mechanism by simply unscrewing the closure ofi' the neck of the tank. It is the purpose of this invention to provide a locking mechanism that can be readily and quickly put in place but cannot be removed except when in an unlocked position.

The usual gasoline tank is provided with an annular upwardly extending neck 1 havin an inwardly extending flange 2, my invention being especially adapted touse with such tanks. It is apparent that by externally screw-threading the neck portion 1 and internally screw-threading the body of the closure 3, the closure may be screwed on or off the neck, and it is to avoid this particular defect that I have designed my closure, which consists of a body portion 3, having an opening 4 through the top of a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the flanged )rtion 2. A plurality of flat springs 5 are provided and rigidly attached to the body portion 3 at 6. The upper ends of the springs wherev they are attached to the body portion are horizontally disposed up to the points 7, where they are bent at right angles to the points 8 thereby forming three-fourths enclosed rectangular spaces. From the points 8 the springs are bent at less than a right angle to the points 9, so that when the body portion of the closure is forced downward, the springs engage firmly the marginal edges of the inwardly extending flange 2.

A cover 10 is provided suitably hinged at 11 adapted to rotate through about 90 degrees, as shown by the dotted lines in Fig. 2. When the cover is put in place a locking mechanism 12, of any desired or suitable type, is rigidly attached to the cover and a movable bolt 13 is provided adapted to engage the Iigngardly turned flange portion 14: of the o y. i

A key 15 of any suitable type is used to operate the bolt 13. A rotatable key hole cover 16 is provided, preferably made of spring metal adapted to rotate about a pivot 17 and held in place by a depression 18 engaging a mating depression, now shown in the key hole cover at 19.

It isobvious that when the closure is forced down over the neck 1 of the tank, the springs 5 will engage the inwardly extending flange 2 of the neck and hold it firmly against movement, as well as preventing it from rattling against the key hole cover plate 16 as it is made of spring metal and is always more or less under tension.

I To prevent waste of gasoline, a suitable gasket 20 is inserted between the body portion 3 of the closure and the top of the neck 1 of the tank. Another suitable gasket 21 is inserted between the top of the closure and its cover 10.

It is obvious that so long as the cover of the closure is in a locked position, it will be impossible to remove it, and that when the cover 10 is unlocked and open, it could be removed by the insertion of a tool in the neck of the tank, which could not be done when the top is closed and locked.

While myinvention is primarily intended for use with automobile gasoline tanks, it is evident that there are a number of other uses to which it may be advantageously adapted, hence I do not wish to confine my- 5 self to the exact details here shown, but wish my invention to cover more broadly the method of attaching lockable closure to vessels requiring closures.

Having fully described my invention, What 10 I claim as new and useful and desire to protect by Letters Patent is:

A lockable closure of the class described, comprising a body portion, a plurality of spring means for holding said body portion firmly against removal, sealing means inserted between the body portion and the neck being closed, a hinged cover for said body portion, sealing means inserted between said body portion and said cover, means for lock- 93 ing and unlocking said cover.

In witness whereof I have hereunto afiixed my signature this 23 day of July, 1929.

JULIUS E. MALLETT. 

